The Pair-A-Docs Report – November 2005

By: Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford

            Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford travel around the WORLD spreading the word about Unity and Diversity in the martial arts, San-Ryu-Do Iaijutsu, Combative Sports Weaponry, and Kodaijin Ki-Do on an International Scale.

            Combative Sports Weaponry includes Kenjutsu and Kobudo, and the Docs believe that it is a Martial Arts Discipline that can unify all of the martial arts by creating a tournament event that any martial artist from any style can compete on an even playing field with all other martial artists.

            If you are interested in San-Ryu-Do Iaijutsu check out where seminars have been given and where they will be this coming year.

Grand Master Christopher Francis (Black Hawks Martial Arts Network) Hosted the FIRST International Pan-Caribbean Martial Arts Championship on the beautiful island of Trinidad & Tobago this past October.

Dr. Hufford was the Tournament Coordinator as well as the TEAM USA Organizer.  Dr. Braff was the Tournament Co-Director.  ALL I can say is WOW!  There was SO MUCH going on that I don’t even know where to begin.  As an overview there was the 25^th Anniversary dinner for the Black Hawks Martial Arts Network, there was an evening of martial arts seminars, there were two days of intense competition, and then there was an island tour.

A team of masters and guests from the USA were assembled to travel to Trinidad & Tobago to run the championships, represent the USA and assist in the open martial arts Pan-Caribbean 2005 International Martial Arts Championships.  Within the event, Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford held the Pan-Caribbean International Combative Sports Weapon Championship, Grand Master Ralph Bergamo and Master Drew Serrano held the Pan-Caribbean International Breaking Championships, and Master Michael Patt held the Pan-Caribbean International Grappling Championship.  Also in attendance, representing the USA and supporting the martial arts effort in the Caribbean, were Master Joseph Pierro, Master Matthew LaPanne, Master Frank Barroso, Professor Carlos Diaz, Sensei Kyle Hufford, Sensei Lorraine Hufford, Kiera Hufford, Donna LaPanne, Sharon Dolan, Ariel Braff, Grand Master Kevin Cullen, Professor Ruben Torres, Master Jose Hernandez, Hank Garrett, and Grand Master Joon P. Choi,

Members of TEAM USA at the Miami International Airport

Thursday the Anniversary Dinner was held at the “Dr. Joao Havelange – Center of Excellence.  It was a dinner to recognize the efforts of the Black Hawks Martial Arts Network to encourage children in the Caribbean schools to follow the path and teachings of martial arts and not the way of crime.  By teaching martial arts goals, values, and ethics the Black Hawks inter-school programs keeps a significant number of children off the streets and away from crime and violence.  There were over 300 attending the dinner including the Honorable Roger Boynes (Minister of Sports), Mr. Anthony Creed (representing the Minister of Education), and many other government officials and representatives of the school system and community businesses.  It was an opportunity for the representatives from the USA to network with the major representatives in the Trinidad & Tobago governments and show our support for the martial arts program success in the Caribbean schools.  THE ENTERTAINMENT & ISLAND FOOD WAS WONDERFUL!!

Dr. Hufford, Dr. Braff, Honorable Roger Boynes (Minister of Sports), Prof. Francis

Dr. Hufford presenting Bernadette St. Clair – Francis with her “SENSEI” (Nidan) Certificate

On Friday the seminars were held at the “National Hockey Complex”, a large venue where the USA masters presented seminars in their arts.  Some of the seminars were Kun Tao Self-Defense, Grappling, Ju-Jitsu, Goju-Ryu Karate, and KiDo-Ryu.  There were over 100 students that attended the seminars, along with their parents who watched and enjoyed the activities.

Seminar Instructors

The Championship was two full days of intense martial arts competition with over 200 competitors from eight countries (including Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and the USA).  It was an open tournament with FORMS, WEAPONS, GRAPPLING, BREAKING, TEAM KATA, TEAM SPARRING, CONTINUOUS SPARRING, COMBATIVE SPORTS WEAPONS, and SELF-DEFENSE divisions.  The focus of TEAM USA in 2005 was to support the championships by bringing masters to run divisions, assist at the tournament, and present seminars.

Dr. Braff and Grand Master Francis presenting a Medal of Honor

to Senator, the Honorable Hazel Manning (Minister of Education)

Kiera Hufford (Brown Belt) competed in Grappling (Gold Medal), Weapons (Silver Medal), and Combative Sports Weapons (4^th place).  Ariel Braff (white belt) competed in Grappling (Silver Medal).  Next year the TEAM USA Masters, being organized by Dr. Hufford, will bring a large contingent to compete.  Three championships for First-Time Ever were held in the Caribbean – Breaking, Grappling, and Combative Sports Weapons.  WE SALUTE THE RAW TALENT, ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM, and SPIRIT of all of the Caribbean Competitors who grappled, broke boards and blocks, and fought with padded weapons for the first time!!  NEXT YEAR WILL BE EVEN MORE SPECTACULAR.

Pan-Caribbean 2005 Competitors and Masters

Grand Maser Christopher Francis had the opportunity to take Dr. Hufford, Dr. Braff, and Sensei Kyle Hufford to several local secondary schools.  The first one that they visited was St. Augustine Senior Comprehensive.  This was a school of 1400 male and female students.  Here they had the opportunity to present a seminar and instruct on Combative Sports Weaponry.  The reception by the students was overwhelming.  The seminar began with ten or so students and within 15 minutes over 400 students came from all over the school to watch and participate.  IT WAS IMPRESSIVE.  The Principal and the Deans of Students were so impressed that they complemented us for inspiration that Combative Sports Weapons added to their curriculum that day.   We also visited Latchmie Hindu College and Curepe Anglican Primary School.  We had the opportunity to talk with the Principals, Teachers, and Students.

OH MAN!!  WHAT CAN WE SAY!!  If you have ever thought of setting foot in the Caribbean then this is the place.  Port of Spain is a magnificent, overwhelming, and developing city.  Stores, shops and malls, sidewalk vendors – WE DRANK and ATE fresh picked coconuts that we purchased off of the back of a pick-up truck, and we stopped and had Spicy DOUBLES and ROTI from a road-side stand.  Traveling from Port of Spain up into the hills, we stopped at a scenic overlook and got a beautiful view of the city of Port of Spain and the surrounding hillsides. 

Scenic Overlook view of Port of Spain

Making the Steel Pan (Calypso Drum)

The forest is lush and green, bamboo is everywhere, parrots, birds, and you should see the colorful butterflies that abound in the vegetation along the roadside. 

View from the mountains of Showdo Bay

The Ladyyoung Hill overview of Port of Spain

We traveled to the Beach in Maracus where we stopped at “RICHARD’S” – a beach side stand.  There we had BAKE-N-SHARK – a lightly battered, deep-fried, thick slice of shark (yes, shark) on a bun topped with garlic sauce, mango chutney and cilantro. THIS WAS TO DIE FOR!!

Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford in their Island Hats shopping for souvenirs

We took time to shop for souvenirs.  On another day we hiked 2 miles up into the forest and mountains to the Maracus Waterfalls.  Bamboo, birds, trees, flowers, and a wide variety of beautiful vegetation and then you get to the waterfall.  You stand in the sparkling pools at the bottom of the waterfalls and look up to see the top 300 feet above you.  You let the waterfall bathe you and relax away the tension in your neck and back.  You collect all kinds of stones in the pools that the waterfall has chipped away.  CAN YOU IMAGINE!!  Join us next year  http://www.goshindo.us/pancaribb/online.html

            The International Association of Martial Artists HoF, conducted by Grand Master Gary Alexander, was held at the Forge Inn Banquet Center in Woodbridge, NJ.  It was a Gala Banquet with over 200 martial artists and guests in attendance.  Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford along with many other martial arts notables such as Alan Goldberg (Action Martial Arts), Frank Sanchez (World Head of Family Sokeship council), Frank Tasetano (World Karate Union), Grand Master Christopher Francis (Black Hawks Martial Arts Network, Trinidad/Tobago), and Bahiy S. Muhammad (Fear No Man, Inc.) were presented with honors.  Master Goldberg, Master Tasetano, and Professor Sanchez all received the “Distinguished Leader of American Martial Arts” award.  Dr. Braff received the “Pioneer Award for SanRyuDo.” Dr. Hufford received “Founder of the Year for Kodaijin Ki-Do.” Grand Master Christopher Francis received the “International Grand Master” award.  Professor Bahiy S. Muhammad received the “Most distinguished Grand Master” award   It was a wonderful dinner and awards ceremony that included good company, great conversation, and dancing into the night.

Alan Goldberg, Frank Tasetano, Dr. Robert Braff, Christopher Francis, Frank Sanchez

            Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford traveled to Lions Progressive Kenpo and Karate (Shihan Matt LaPanne) to test students in SanRyuDo Iaijutsu and to instruct in Combative Sports Weapons (padded weapons kenjutsu).  The test and seminar was a great success with Shihan Matt’s students being promoted to their next level.  The seminar was a blast.  Kids and Adults of all ages participated in learning and sparring with padded weaponry.  From Swords, Staff, Cane, and Knife to Team Battles and King-of-the-Hill competition everyone had a great time.  If you would like to hold a SanRyuDo SanBuSaku or CSW seminar at your school contact kyoshihufford@gmail.com.

Kyoshi Kevin D. Hufford directing Combative Sports Weapons Training

            Dr. Joe L. Parrish held the 2005 United States Head of Family Martial Arts Association Hall of Honors and Hall of Champions Saturday night, November 5^th, at the Ramada Inn in Baltimore Maryland.  Seminars by martial arts masters were presented during the day on Saturday.  The evening Hall was a HUGE event.  There were over 200 inductees not including their guests.  In attendance at the dinner with Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford were Grand Master Chang Park (Korea), Grand Master Robert Hawkins (OH), Master Wayne “Tea” Thomas (MD), Grand Master Christopher Francis (Trinidad/Tobago), Professor Silverio Guerra (TX), Professor Darryl K. Stewart (TX), Professor John Scott (MD), and along with SO many others and a large contingent of our friends from Puerto Rico – Professor Carlos Diaz, Professor Jedan Figueroa, Master Raul Soto, and Sensei Marcos Ramos.  Hall of Honor Awards or Hall of Champion Awards were presented to all the inductees.  Sensei Kyle Hufford received the “Outstanding Achievements in Martial Arts” award from the Hall of Champions.  In addition to Dr. Hufford and Dr. Braff, many select inductees received additional International Recognition as Grand Masters and Sigungs in their respective martial arts.  And the dinner, let’s not forget the dinner – it was a magnificent Buffet of fine foods and desserts – there was more food than we knew what to do with.  It was like “Christmas” in November.  This was a “two-thumbs up” spectacular event.

Dr. Joe L. Parish presenting Grand Master Chang Park with a Hall of Honors Award

            Dr. Hufford and Dr. Braff held a SanRyuDo SanBuSaku Instructors Training and Certification Seminar in Madison, OH at the Sahara School of Martial Arts.  Training with them were Grand Master Robert Hawkins, Master Cynthia Kelly, and Master Michael Patt.  Both Master Kelly and Master Patt were certified as SanRyuDo SanBuSaku Instructors, were given their school charters, and were authorized to teach SanRyuDo Iaijutsu. Grand Master Hawkins joined them to train and to issue Life Memberships, Board of Director, and Rank certifications in the International Ban-Tu Karate Federation.

Dr. Hufford, Grand Master Robert Hawkins and Dr. Braff

(Is this like the Three Musketeers!! Or what?)

            Shihan Matthew LaPanne, Lions Progressive Kenpo Karate, arrived in Trumansburg, NY at Dragon Fire Martial Arts to hold a seminar on the “Linking Forms of Kenpo.”  This new system trains the kenpo practitioner in the development of flowing technique.  As one attack or counter-attack is presented and possibly neutralized you can learn to flow progressively through a set of “Linking Forms.”  It was a great time for all.

            Sensei George Fusco of AFA Karate in North Branford, CT endured a day long test in front of International SanRyuDo Federation Sokeship council representative where he performed kata upon kata, self-defense techniques until the sweat poured off of him and grueling questions regarding the bunkai of the kata and the philosophy of the martial arts.  Many of his students graciously volunteered to be his uke and survived.  Family and friends were in attendance to watch the test and provide encouragement and support.  The day ended with Sensei Fusco being promoted to 6TH Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and having the title of RENSHI bestowed upon him.  CONGRATULATIONS RENSHI GEORGE FUSCO.

            Dr. Braff and Dr. Hufford were hosted by Master Brian Sieger, Maser Joe Dempich, and Master Mary Murphy at the Villari’s Martial Arts Center of Oregon Wisconsin.  It was here that they held a SanRyuDo SanBuSaku Instructors Training and Certification Seminar.  The Masters along with their top students trained in SanRyuDo Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu.  Masters Sieger, Dempich, and Murphy along with 13 of their students were certified and authorized to teach SanRyuDo SanBuSaku.  School Charters were issued to three martial arts schools in the Oregon area.  Everyone became Life Members of the International SanRyuDo Federation and Nihon To-Jutsu Karate-Do Kai.  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WISCONSIN FOLKS!!

All of the New SanRyuDo SanBuSaku Instructors

            Kyoshi Kevin D. Hufford, Ph.D. traveled to Lions Progressive Kenpo and Karate (Shihan Matt LaPanne) to hold a seminar in the NEW ART of Kodaijin Ki-Do.  This art is designed to instruct and develop the “Healing Art that exists within the Martial Art.”  Level One: LEARN / FEEL / BALANCE- contains five exercises to train basic breathing techniques, three preparatory exercises to harmonize the energies of Human, Earth and Heaven and the Kodaijin Ki-Do eight animal forms.  Level Two: REFLECT / DEEPEN / STRENGTHEN- continues to develop the concepts of Normal Abdominal Breathing, Reverse Abdominal Breathing, The Energy Pump, Earth Breathing, and Human Breathing coordinated with the eight Kodaijin Ki-Do exercises.  Level Three: SYNCHRONIZE / INTEGRATE- introduces the concepts of Heaven Breathing in conjunction with the eight animal postures in a four direction form.  Level Four: MARTIAL THEORY / POWER / APPLICATION- introduces the concepts of Kodaijin Ki-Do as a martial art.  The methods of training martial power and manifesting or applying it in a self-defense or fighting situation are taught.  The practitioner learns power manifestation in each of the eight animal postures and then takes these methods into the four direction form.  From this, fighting / self-defense applications are explored and taught. EVERYONE AT THE SEMINAR HAD A GREAT TIME.  If you would like to hold a Kodaijin Ki-Do seminar at your school contact kyoshihufford@gmail.com.

Washi No Kamae (Eagle Posture)

Students of Kodaijin Ki-Do

Dr. Braff can be contacted at sanryudo1@aol.com

Nihon To-Jutsu Karate-Do Kai can be found on-line at www.goshindo.us/kai/kai.html

Dr. Hufford can be contacted at samurai@goshindo.us

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